Over the past two decades, the world of travel has transformed at a dizzying pace. Places once considered hidden gems have emerged as major tourist destinations, while former hotspots have sometimes faded into relative obscurity. Technology, social media, climate change, and economic shifts have all contributed to reshaping the global travel landscape.
Here is a list of 20 travel destinations that look remarkably different today than 20 years ago. These destinations showcase how quickly our favorite places can evolve.
Tulum, Mexico
Twenty years ago, Tulum was a quiet fishing village with a stunning archaeological site and pristine beaches. It was mainly visited by backpackers seeking an authentic experience.
The streets were unpaved, accommodations were basic, and electricity was limited to certain hours of the day. Fast-forward to today, Tulum has transformed into an upscale bohemian paradise filled with luxury eco-resorts, beach clubs, and farm-to-table cuisine restaurants.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Before becoming the filming location for King’s Landing in a popular fantasy television series, Dubrovnik was recovering from the Yugoslav Wars and slowly rebuilding its tourism industry.
The ancient walled city had fewer visitors, allowing travelers to wander the limestone streets in relative peace. Now, Dubrovnik receives over two million tourists annually, with cruise ships disgorging thousands of day-trippers during the summer. This has prompted the city to implement tourist limits to protect its infrastructure.
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai in 2004 was already ambitious but nowhere near today’s futuristic metropolis. The Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Mall—all icons of modern Dubai—didn’t exist yet.
The skyline featured far fewer skyscrapers, and areas now filled with luxury developments were empty desert. Today’s Dubai boasts the world’s tallest building, artificial islands, indoor ski slopes, and some of the most luxurious hotels on the planet.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Before the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent tourism boom, Iceland received relatively few international visitors. Reykjavik was a charming but quiet capital city where tourists were a novelty.
The dramatic devaluation of the Icelandic krona, combined with strategic marketing campaigns and social media exposure, transformed Iceland into a must-visit destination. Reykjavik now serves as a bustling hub for international travelers.
Bali, Indonesia
While Bali has long been a tourist destination, 20 years ago, the island was primarily known for surfing, temples, and traditional culture. The southern areas were developed, but much of the island remained untouched.
Today, Bali has experienced exponential tourism growth, transforming places like Ubud from cultural centers to yoga and wellness hubs.
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Barcelona, Spain
Twenty years ago, Barcelona was already a popular European destination but nowhere near the overtourism crisis point it faces today. Locals still frequented La Rambla, neighborhoods like El Born weren’t completely gentrified, and the city maintained more of its authentic Catalan character.
Modern Barcelona struggles with the impact of mass tourism, short-term rentals driving up housing costs, and locals protesting the transformation of their city into what some see as a theme park for visitors.
Havana, Cuba
Twenty years ago, Havana was largely frozen in time, with limited tourism and strict regulations on private enterprise. Classic cars from the 1950s served as everyday transportation rather than tourist attractions.
The restoration of diplomatic relations with the United States in 2015 sparked new interest in Cuba, leading to increased tourism and economic changes. Today, while preserving much of its vintage charm, parts of Havana feature renovated buildings, private restaurants, and increased commercial activity.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai’s skyline in 2004 would be unrecognizable to visitors today. The iconic Oriental Pearl Tower existed, but the Pudong district was still developing. The Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and many other skyscrapers that define the modern skyline hadn’t been built.
Today’s Shanghai is a global financial hub with futuristic architecture, high-speed maglev trains, and luxury shopping that rivals any major world city.
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Phuket, Thailand
Before the devastating 2004 tsunami, Phuket was a popular beach destination with less development and fewer tourists. Many beaches featured simple bungalows rather than large resorts, and areas like Patong were far less commercialized.
The rebuilding after the tsunami accelerated development, and today’s Phuket is much more developed, with high-end resorts, international restaurant chains, and infrastructure designed to handle millions of annual visitors.
Berlin, Germany
Post-reunification Berlin of the early 2000s was still finding its identity, with many areas in former East Berlin undergoing transition. The city was known for incredibly affordable living costs and underground arts and music scenes.
Today’s Berlin has experienced significant gentrification, with neighborhoods like Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg transformed from working-class and alternative areas to trendy, expensive districts. While still more affordable than other European capitals, Berlin’s character has shifted dramatically.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Twenty years ago, the journey to Machu Picchu involved more effort and fewer crowds. The ancient Incan city received far fewer than the 1.5 million annual visitors it sees today. Tourists could explore the ruins with relative freedom, and iconic photos without crowds were easily captured.
Modern Machu Picchu operates under strict visitor limitations, timed entry tickets, and mandatory guides – measures implemented to protect the site from the impact of overtourism.
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Venice, Italy
Venice has long been a tourist magnet, but the Venice of 20 years ago still maintained a larger local population and more traditional businesses serving residents. As tourism has increased and housing costs have soared, the number of actual Venetians living in the historic center has plummeted.
Today, Venice struggles with overwhelming cruise ship tourism, though recent bans on large vessels entering the lagoon aim to address some of these issues.
Chornobyl, Ukraine
Twenty years ago, Chornobyl was a restricted zone known primarily for its 1986 nuclear disaster rather than as a tourist destination. Access was limited to scientists and those with special permission.
Following the success of disaster tourism and a popular television series, Chornobyl has become an established destination. Organized tours take visitors through Pripyat’s abandoned buildings and the exclusion zone, creating a surreal form of dark tourism unimaginable two decades ago.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio in the early 2000s was vibrant but hadn’t yet experienced the transformation brought by hosting major global events. The city underwent significant infrastructure upgrades and security improvements in preparation for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.
While some Olympic venues have fallen into disrepair, developments like the revitalized Port Zone with the Museum of Tomorrow and the Rio Art Museum have permanently changed parts of the city’s landscape and tourism appeal.
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Kyoto, Japan
Traditional Kyoto has always been a cultural treasure, but twenty years ago, it wasn’t experiencing the extreme tourism that affects it today. Visitors could enjoy temples like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari without massive crowds, and tourists with selfie sticks didn’t accompany geisha sightings in Gion.
Modern Kyoto has implemented tourism taxes and regulations on behavior in historic districts in response to over-tourism, particularly from other parts of Asia, as Japan has become more accessible.
Santorini, Greece
Twenty years ago, Santorini’s whitewashed buildings and blue domes were captivating, but the island received far fewer visitors and cruise ships than it does today. Oia’s sunset wasn’t an event that required arriving hours early to secure a viewing spot.
The Instagram era has made Santorini one of the most photographed destinations on earth, leading to overcrowding in its narrow streets and pressure on local infrastructure during peak season.
Lisbon, Portugal
Twenty years ago, Lisbon was somewhat overlooked compared to other European capitals, with tourism focused mainly on the Algarve region. The city’s grandeur faded, and many historic buildings were in disrepair.
Following Portugal’s economic crisis, policies encouraging foreign investment and digital nomads transformed Lisbon into one of Europe’s trendiest destinations. Today, Lisbon features renovated neighborhoods, a booming startup scene, and soaring real estate prices that have pushed many locals to the periphery.
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Maya Bay, Thailand
Made famous by the film The Beach, Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island was popular 20 years ago but still maintains its natural beauty. However, years of unchecked tourism with up to 5,000 daily visitors have devastated the bay’s marine ecosystem.
The environmental damage became so severe that Thai authorities closed the bay to tourists in 2018 to allow recovery. It reopened in 2022 with strict visitor limits and regulations, representing a new model of managing vulnerable natural attractions.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town has always been beautiful, but twenty years ago, it was still recovering from apartheid’s legacy and building its international tourism profile. The 2010 World Cup accelerated infrastructure development and global awareness.
Today’s Cape Town features the redeveloped Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a thriving food and wine scene, and significantly more tourism despite challenges like recent water shortages that have forced the city to adapt its approach to sustainability.
Palawan, Philippines
Twenty years ago, Palawan was known mainly to diving enthusiasts and adventure travelers willing to endure difficult access to its pristine beaches and limestone cliffs.
However, regular appearances on ‘world’s best islands’ lists and improved transportation options have dramatically changed the island.
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The Shifting Sands of Global Tourism
These destinations reflect broader changes in how we travel—the democratization of tourism through budget airlines and online booking platforms, the influence of social media on travel trends, and growing awareness of sustainability challenges.
As these places evolve, balancing economic benefits and preservation becomes increasingly crucial. The most successful destinations will be those that manage growth thoughtfully, ensuring they remain special places to visit for decades.
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